Redefining a Post-Brexit EU-UK Partnership in Research and Higher Education. College of Europe Policy Brief #6.18, April 2018

>Continuity and certainty are crucial to excellent scientific research, which builds on decades of fruitful relationships and networks between European partners. > Following the withdrawal of the UK from the Union in March 2019, the eligibility of UK researchers and universities to access EU research funds will be at risk. > Either formal association, or an arrangement of similar ambition in the area of research and innovation is crucial to maintain continuity. > Should there be no agreement, additional UK research funding must be agreed upon at a national level and match any projected EU increase for the 9th Framework Programme (2021- 2027). > UK government funding should be ring fenced and remain available regardless of potential changes in government. > Because cross-border collaborative applications to EU grants are time consuming, any further delay is damaging to the wider European research and science community as well as to the development of the European Research Area. > An urgent solution is of the essence, as an EU-UK partnership in research and higher education is already behind schedule